Surf City libraries get tough on mobiles

$1,000 fine for persistent phone bores

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Officials in Huntington Beach, California - aka Surf City - have waved through a new by-law which could see people fined up to $1,000 for using their mobile phone in a library.

The new regulation, which comes into force from 15 September, means that if a phone rings, or if anyone is caught talking or texting, then they will face a stern warning. After the first ticking-off, though, library vistors can expect to receive fines of $250, $500 and $1,000 for repeated offences.

Acording to AP, local officials felt they had to act after the book worms of Huntington Beach complained about the noise caused by phones ringing and beeping, and people talking all the time.

Still, mobile phone-equipped library goers might think this is a bit harsh. Actually, it could have been worse. Much worse. One proposal included jailing offenders for six months if they were caught using their phones. ®